Imagine an app that got you to your destination twice as fast while using only 1/5 of the fuel. This is the claim of Greenway, a new program for Windows Phone, which uses its user's location and an algorithm based on a street's speed limit and number of lanes to predict where traffic jams are likely to occur. The program then recommends a route to steer cars away from streets which are about to tip past their capacity.

As impressive as the app is, maybe the most interesting part is its unique business model. The app is free to use, but to actually see the Greenway recommended route you have to pay a small fee - 5% of the cost of fuel saved, but never more than 30 cents. And then if it takes you longer to get there than predicted then it's free.

The app was a winner at the Imagine Cup, hosted by Microsoft, which unfortunately means it is still seeking funding beyond the $10,000 prize it was rewarded.

Via Good.is